Shipwreck - Dollar Store Exclusive

NOTE - I am in the midst of moving, so unfortunately most of my figures are packed away. As a result, comparison shots are not available. YoJoe.com has been kind enough to allow me to mirror some of their images to show some comparisons. Be sure to check out their very nicely revamped action figure archive for full G.I. Joe figure goodness!

I will admit, unlike many Joe fans, I've never been a huge fan of Shipwreck. I thought he was pretty obnoxious in the cartoon, and I had no real affection for a guy dressed like an old school sailor. When Devils' Due Publications got the G.I. Joe license, they quickly made some changes to the cosmetic look of several G.I. Joe characters, mostly ones from the Sunbow cartoon who needed a bit more military modernization. Shipwreck was one of the most notable of those changes, eschewing his sailor suit for a more modern naval commando sweater and combat pants.

Back in 2002, Hasbro replicated the look in their Joe vs. Cobra line, but with its own share of issues due to the construction and proportion issues that were prevalent back then. In 2009, an early Rise of Cobra release gave us Shipwreck in his knit cap, which many fans loved (myself included). In this version of the character, we get the Rise of Cobra head on top of the Pursuit of Cobra Snake Eyes torso and arms, with the Renegades Duke legs to finish off the figure formula.

And without a doubt, this figure is the highlight of the entire Dollar Store wave.

Even as someone who doesn't love Shipwreck, I can't help but love this updated figure. The Pursuit of Cobra parts are gold as always and the Renegades Duke legs work remarkably well, too. You end up with a figure with excellent articulation, including multi-joint wrists and great range of motion throughout. There isn't an amazing level of detail in the paint apps, but the blue sweater, gray pants, and black trim is really all this figure needs, and each application is fantastic.

Along with the familiar unmarked battle stand, Shipwreck has the same backpack and underwater facemask as the Rise of Cobra version came with and the pistol from Renegades Duke, which also fits in the slot on his leg. The accessories all work very nicely, fit the figure well, and make sense, even if there aren't a vast number of them.

The combined package of the accessories and the Shipwreck figure gives us a really nice looking update to the character, made even more impressive at such a bargain price. A remarkable feat, and the highlight of this wave.

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